Syntagmatic Relations Of Noun Modifiers In Akan

ABSTRACT

Relationship in linguistics is very essential. There are two types of relationship in linguistics: paradigmatic and syntagmatic. Syntagmatic relations are based on the linear character of speech. They enable language to function as a means of communication. The syntagmatics of noun modifiers are therefore the relation of noun modifiers with the HN and each other. Adopting Dependency Theory from Hays (1972), we base our argument on the hypothesis that the occurrence of any modifier in the noun phrase is more related to and conditioned by the HN. Noun modifiers in Akan therefore depend on the HN for meaning and form. We also argue that the combining properties of modifiers are their potential ability to get into syntagmatic relation and to pattern with other modifiers of appropriate types. In this study we combine modifiers of the same type together in one NP and test how grammatical the construction turns out. The various kinds of determiners are put in one construction to test their grammaticality. The data collected shows that certain determiners can occur in a sequence. We also test plural marking of all the types of noun modifiers in Akan. We find out that Prenominal modifiers do not have plural markers. This study also tests how acceptable an NP is when the order of its modifiers is altered. Certain constructions with altered arrangement of modifiers are accepted to some level. With the use of data we also examine the movement of NPs, that is, the HN, the adjective, and the determiner are “moved about” in a clause. Consequently, we conclude that syntagmatic studies are good basis for language communication.